PONTYPOOL legend Ray Prosser has died at the age of 93.

The former prop won 22 caps for Wales and played for the British Lions in their fourth Test win against New Zealand in 1959.

Prosser then was in charge of his hometown club Pooler in their golden era, helping the club become Welsh champions on five occasions, the Merit Table seven times and the WRU National Cup in 1983.

He was pivotal in the rugby careers of, among many others, the famous front row trio of Graham Price, Bobby Windsor and Charlie Faulkner, Eddie Butler, Terry Cobner, Dai Bishop and Mark Ring.

The side of 1985-86 notched a world club record 1,607 points in the season and between September 1980 and October 1985 his Pontypool teams played 251 matches, won 214 drew six others and lost only 31 times.

They were averaging 27 points per game over that period and in winning their first 18 games of the 1985-86 season they scored 100 tries. Their ground record against welsh position stretched for more than 50 matches at the time.

“It is with immense sadness and devastation that Pontypool RFC today can confirm the passing of the legendary Ray Prosser,” read a club statement.

“Without question, Ray will be forever regarded as the most influential figure in Pontypool RFC history.”

In a statement, released this morning, club chief executive Ben Jeffreys and his father Peter, the club's executive chairman issued their tribute to a man who had "turned Pontypool RFC into an institution that was both feared and respected in equal measure".
"I’m sure we speak for everybody connected to Pontypool RFC when we say the passing of Ray Prosser is a truly devastating loss to both the club and wider community," the pair wrote.
"The outpouring of tributes expressed over the last twenty-four hours demonstrates just how highly regarded Ray was.
"When we say it is an honour to represent Pontypool RFC, it is because of what Ray created.
"So many clubs have their moment in time, but very few etch themselves into a place in history. Even fewer create a legacy that is felt just as passionately by its supporters today as it was several decades ago.
"It is this continued celebration of our proud history that will always ensure that Ray Prosser’s legacy will never be overlooked, never be forgotten.
"Everybody at Pontypool RFC owes an enormous debt of gratitude to Ray Prosser and in the days ahead, we will pay a series of tributes to Ray and his legacy.
"Our thoughts continue to be with Ray’s family during this exceptionally sad time."